• I washed dead bodies to survive as a student abroad, says Ajimobi
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has said integrity and hard work were the necessary virtues that would put Nigeria on the path of recovery and speedy development.

He, therefore, urged Nigerians, especially the youths to embrace these qualities in their daily affairs for the nation to move forward.

Osinbajo made the remarks yesterday at the maiden edition of South-West Regional Youths Summit in Osogbo, Osun State.

He noted that lack of integrity and corruption was the major problem of the country, saying that if corruption could be tackled, 70 per cent of Nigeria’s challenges would have been solved.

He said the nation had lost many international partners due to lack of integrity and trust.

He said: “Any nation that does not emphasis integrity will always fail. The values of integrity and hard work are necessary for the development of our nation.”

He advised the youths to embrace hard work, self-education and small beginnings to move on to higher in life, adding, “You don’t have to cheat or steal to be successful in life but you must be ready to convert your challenges to opportunities.”

Osinbajo also charged the youths in the region to support the 25 years development agenda for the region and the development of the nation as a whole.

Speaking, Governor Rauf Aregbesola added that the summit was important to chart a positive course for the development of the western region.

He lamented that it was painful that the region could not feed itself despite the abundant human and natural resources, adding that it was a challenge its leaders must resolve.

He urged youths to support the proposed 25 years master plan for the region, adding that the region must succeed.

In his remarks, Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, said the summit was aimed at promoting and enhancing the future of the western region.

Ajimobi urged youths in the region not to give up but rather they should have a positive mental attitude towards the development of the area.

He disclosed that he washed dead bodies to pay his tuition fees while schooling abroad, adding, “I spent eight years abroad and survived mainly on washing of dead bodies.”

Osun State Commissioner for Regional Integration, Bola Ilori, noted that the summit was critical to repositioning the western region for the future, saying it was also for interaction and participation of youths in the development of its 25- year master plan.